Age Action Alliance Weekly Member’s News – 20 February 2017

The Happy Older People (HOP) network is a Liverpool based network that aims to create new partnerships and connections between organisations in the city region, making a difference to older people who may be isolated and lonely, who simply want to try something new or go somewhere different. HOP is always looking for new members to join the network and if you wish to do so contact Rachael Treacher HOP Project Manager at rachaelt@culture.org.uk

The next HOP Network Meeting Thursday 2 March 2pm – 4pm, Blackburne House (FREE), will explore how can neighbouring / buddy schemes enable access to and participation with arts and culture for older people? HOP Project Manager, Rachael Treacher, is patricianly interested in hearing about any active schemes, organisations or individuals, locally, nationally and internationally who are working in this way so please do get in touch if you know of any or better still are experiencing such schemes. Click here for more information and to register for the FREE event.

Trapped in the well of loneliness? A workshop in Nottingham to discuss loneliness within the LGBT+ communities.Sunday 5 March 2017, 13.00 – 16.00, New Art Exchange, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 6BE. Free entry – all welcome. Booking required.
The cause of loneliness is little understood and this is especially true amongst people of different sexualities and gender identities. The matter is further complicated because young and old people are generally more likely to be lonely than middle-aged people. Is this true for LGBT people?
Scientists have recently shown that because humans are social beings, social contact reduces the physical and emotional pain of loneliness. The way we live in our present neo-liberal economy would seems to make loneliness worse. This workshop is a community attempt to unravel some of these issues and seek remedies to make our lives better.
To book visit: https://lgbt-trapped-in-the-well-of-loneliness.eventbrite.co.uk, or for further information Telephone 07582668558, or e-mail learningtobeu@gmail.com

The Alzheimer’s Society is holding its biggest ever policy and research conference in London on Thursday 18th May 2017. Attendees will have an unprecedented opportunity to hear from and ask questions to the leading national and international figures about the latest developments and innovations in dementia care and research.
Dementia is the biggest challenge facing our health and social care system and is now the leading cause of death in England and Wales. We urgently need a system that works for all people affected by dementia. Now is the time that we all Unite Against Dementia.

At the conference we will:
• Unveil the findings of our biggest ever conversation with people affected by dementia
• Launch the new ‘I statements’ for dementia
• Hold workshops to explore in greater depth what works and the challenges across health, care, diagnosis, drug discovery, research and much more
An early bird discount is on offer to receive a 10% discount on bookings made by 1 March 2017. For more details and registration details click here.

Free carbon monoxide awareness training. The Gas Safe Charity is delivering a further 20 free half day ‘ThinkCO’ workshops around the UK over the next few months. They are aimed at any organisation that delivers a service in the homes of vulnerable people. Feedback has been very positive from staff and volunteers linked to home care agencies, housing associations, handyperson projects, social work, nursing, home improvement agencies, befriending and visiting schemes. In addition, there has been interest from health professionals due to the association with increased risk of falls and dementia. The focus has been on encouraging organisations to recognise the signs and risks of potential low level carbon monoxide poisoning and take appropriate actions. They are addressing their duty of care responsibilities to staff/volunteers, as well as the vulnerable person. Each organisation will receive a free pack of materials and a carbon monoxide detector. Please click here to download details of the dates, locations and a booking form.

For your information

Humming in Harmony is a new practise of sound based mindfulness, to tackle isolation and bring generations together. The plan is to set up a group project connecting seniors with young adults with special needs as a pilot project. For more information Humming in Harmony pack

Please find the February. 2017 issue of “Voice of Senior Citizens” from Nepal, for your information, use and sharing. You can also find the latest issue of Jyestha Nagarik, the only bimonthly magazine on ageing issues in Nepali language.

Years Ahead, the north east region forum on ageing, have published their latest report entitled, “How is it for you“. The research surveyed older people within the North East region in order to ascertain what they consider important about their own life experience regarding circumstances that make life easier or harder for them.